I have been watching a lot of the threads and see a lot of discussions of people trying to explain their relationships. I wanted to share somethign I found years ago that better explains how I tend to feel about most of my interactions. (trust me, I am not trying to change opinions, trying to give options to those of us who can't connect with the terms other people may be using to describe their relationships)

First let me explain how I found anam cara. When I was 23 I excited a reationship with a lot of anger, lust and .. well any and every emotion. i had been in a 7 year relationship with a woman I ended up hating...The last couple of years of that relationship and moving into my first time being single I met a lot of great women, but no one I connected with. I also found 2 woman who I had, well a) explosive relationship b) an odd friendship I couldn't explain. Both women did more for me in that short time than I can ever thank them for. However I had such a deep connection with both, that I couldn't simply call them friends, and I also knew neither would be long term lovers. Lots of searching, lots of confusion I eventually found the term anam cara. Soul Friends, a truly deep and perfect connection with people. Its deeper than that but it covered everything I was feeling.

Take this as you will, its something I have always connected with and something I still connect wth now that my wife and I investigate the idea of being poly. Most of the discussion in the poly communities I have found doesn't suit my nature...its either too sexual or too....loving...difficult to explain I suppose.

Hope this helps someone who may be as confused as I can sometimes be

Thanks to loving radiance for finding this. Its as good an explanation of what it is that i have found.

Quote:

What is Anam Cara?

According to Celtic spiritual tradition, the soul shines all around the body like a luminous cloud. When you are very open ~ appreciative and trusting ~ with another person, your two souls flow together. This deeply felt bond with another person means you have found your anam cara, or "Soul Friend." Your anam cara always beholds your light and beauty, and accepts you for who you truly are. In Celtic spirituality, the anam cara friendship awakens the fullness and mystery of your life. You are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention, philosophy, and definition. When you are blessed with an anam cara, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place: ~HOME~